Researchers from the University of Queensland have sequenced the genome of the Australian round lime (also known as the Gympie lime). According to PhD candidate Upuli Nakandala, the work focuses at identifying a gene which provides resistance to Huanglongbing or 'citrus greening', that could be incorporated into commercial citrus varieties. To extend their research, they are now looking at five other native citrus species, including the finger lime.
Ms Nakandala: “The species citrus australis is recognised as HLB-resistant so we put it first on our list. HLB is a huge problem for citrus growers across a number of growing areas including California and Florida in the United States and in Africa. HLB is not currently present in Australia. People have been trying to control this disease using chemicals and other methods but there’s been no permanent solution. One option available is to develop resistant cultivars, and the first step towards that is identifying these important resistant genes in Australian citrus.”
UQ’s Professor Robert Henry said mapping the genome of Australian round limes achieved that aim: “Sequencing the genomes of plants, particularly these tree crops will give us a new platform for genetic improvements and better management of their production into the future.”
Source: uq.edu.au